Introduction: Safety Starts with Clear, Compliant Labeling
In industrial environments, safety isn’t optional—it’s a regulatory requirement. One of the most overlooked yet essential components of workplace safety is the warning label. These small but vital identifiers help prevent accidents, protect workers, and ensure companies remain compliant with industry regulations.
At STRYKER, we design and manufacture durable, chemical-resistant labels that not only stand up to harsh conditions but also meet the requirements of standards set by organizations like OSHA and ANSI. Here’s how effective warning labels play a key role in maintaining safety and avoiding compliance risks.
What Safety Regulations Say About Warning Labels
Several regulatory bodies set standards for how safety labels should be designed, placed, and maintained in the workplace. Two of the most recognized are:
- OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration): OSHA requires safety signs and labels in workplaces to warn of specific hazards, such as electrical dangers, chemical exposure, or machinery operation zones. Labels must be clearly legible, securely attached, and placed where hazards are most likely.
- ANSI (American National Standards Institute): ANSI Z535 standards provide guidance on color codes, signal words, and formatting for effective safety communication. Labels should include a signal word (like DANGER or WARNING), a description of the hazard, and instructions for safe avoidance.
Together, these standards help ensure that workers can recognize and respond to potential dangers quickly and accurately.
Why Durability Matters for Compliance
Creating a compliant label is one thing—ensuring it stays readable and intact is another. In many industrial environments, labels are exposed to:
- Harsh chemicals
- UV radiation
- Abrasion from equipment or tools
- High-pressure washing
- Extreme temperatures
If a label fades, peels, or degrades, it can fail to communicate a critical safety message—leaving companies vulnerable to accidents, injuries, and regulatory fines.
At STRYKER, we use durable materials like polycarbonate, Metalphoto® anodized aluminum, and chemical-resistant plastics to ensure our warning labels hold up in the toughest conditions. Our designs maintain legibility over time, even when exposed to chemicals, oils, and outdoor elements.
Explore our Labels & Tags to see the durable solutions we offer for harsh industrial environments.
STRYKER’s Role in Keeping Companies Compliant
Our team understands the serious implications of non-compliant labeling. That’s why we go beyond manufacturing—we help clients navigate labeling best practices to ensure safety and compliance.
We offer:
- Custom label designs that align with OSHA and ANSI formatting standards
- Material recommendations based on your specific environment
- Durable printing and adhesive solutions for long-term label performance
- High-resolution printing for clear, legible warning text and symbols
Whether you need hazard signage for electrical equipment, corrosive substances, or operating procedures, our solutions are built to last and designed with safety in mind.
Need help determining the right solution for your operation? Contact us to speak with a labeling specialist.
Best Practices for Creating Effective Warning Labels
To get the most from your safety labels, keep these best practices in mind:
- Use clear, concise language: Avoid clutter or technical jargon.
- Follow color standards: Red for danger, orange for warning, yellow for caution—based on ANSI guidelines.
- Prioritize placement: Labels should be easily visible from normal working positions.
- Select the right material: Match durability to your environment—chemical exposure, weather conditions, surface type.
- Inspect regularly: Replace damaged or worn labels immediately to avoid compliance gaps.
Conclusion: Labels That Protect and Comply
Warning labels aren’t just decals—they’re frontline safety tools. With regulatory pressure and workplace hazards at an all-time high, using labels that meet OSHA and ANSI standards is critical. STRYKER’s durable, high-performance warning labels are designed to deliver both protection and peace of mind.
Visit our Labels & Tags page to explore solutions or contact us to start your labeling project.